Desk Report:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that the youth must be prepared with appropriate knowledge and skills to face the new realities and challenges that are being created in the world due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). He said that in this changing world system, the youth is the greatest strength and asset of civilization.
He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at a program organized at the Foreign Service Academy on the occasion of International Youth Day today, Wednesday (August 12, 2026). The program was jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program was presided over by State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque.
The Information Minister said that the new ecosystem that has been created through the rapid development of technology is both a blessing for civilization and a new type of challenge.
Citing a completely new reality for artificial intelligence civilization, the Minister said that the youth have a relatively high capacity to absorb new technologies and new knowledge. As a result, it is one of the most important responsibilities of the state and society to equip them with the appropriate knowledge, skills and mental preparation to face the challenges of the AI-dependent future world.
He said that the depth of the changes we are going through is so great that it is difficult to predict to a large extent what kind of situation we will face tomorrow or the day after. He emphasized on creating opportunities to acquire new knowledge, new skills and new capabilities in addition to old knowledge and the conventional education system.
The Information Minister said that the youth should not only be educated in conventional education; they should be given the opportunity to acquire digital capabilities, technological knowledge, creativity, innovative thinking and the ability to adapt to change.
He also said that the new ecosystem requires new types of institutions and knowledge systems. Providing the youth with appropriate knowledge and skills is no longer just a developmental initiative for every state, but an inevitable investment for future civilization.
Zahir Uddin Swapan said, the youth is not just the asset of a country; they are the asset of the entire human civilization. They are more experienced and knowledgeable than the older generation. Therefore, the youth must be considered not only as citizens of the future, but also as partners in the change of the present.
Highlighting the context of Bangladesh, the minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is considering the youth with great importance. The issues of sports, creativity, youth development and the role of youth in addressing change and climate-related challenges have already gained importance at the government’s policy-making level.
He said that this position of the government proves that the youth is being considered as a major force in building the future of Bangladesh. If the talent, creativity and innovative power of the youth can be properly utilized, they can make a significant contribution not only to the progress of Bangladesh but also to the global civilization.
The minister called on the United Nations and other international organizations to take more comprehensive programs, awareness-raising and skill development initiatives focusing on the youth.
He said that preparing the youth in the era of artificial intelligence does not only mean preparing them for employment; Rather, it is to prepare them to lead the future civilization. The Information Minister called on the state, international organizations, educational institutions, the private sector and civil society to work together in this regard.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam spoke at the event, among others. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports SM Jobayed Hossain presented the keynote address at the event. Director General of the Directorate of Youth Development Md. Motahar Hossain delivered the welcome speech.
Diplomats from different countries, representatives of various international organizations and NGOs were present in Bangladesh at the time.
